Browns take DE Geathers at No. 186

The Browns drafted South Carolina DE Clifton Geathers with the No. 186 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft Saturday afternoon.

The Browns addressed the back end of the defense with three picks at the cornerback and safety spots and with the No. 186 pick, they chose defensive end Clifton Geathers.

Geathers was the final pick of the Browns 2010 NFL Draft class and brings a 6-foot-7, 299-pound frame to the Browns and could help create gaps in opposing offensive lines.

“Clifton Geathers is a monster,” said Browns General Manager Tom Heckert Jr. “He’s a kid that’s a really good athlete. A guy his height, you really don’t see the athletic ability, but this guy has it. I guess his uncle is Jumpy Geathers and he’s very similar size to him. At South Carolina, he was productive; he plays hard and a guy with his size, his potential is untapped.”

Geathers, a 6-foot-7, 299-pound defensive lineman from the University of South Carolina, has a better-than 72-inch wingspan and was the eighth-leading tackler during the 2009 season. He registered 8.5 tackles-for-loss, including 3.5 quarterback sacks during his final season at South Carolina. He recovered 1 fumble and forced 2 others.

“I’m just able to move; I’m a freaky guy like that,” Geathers said. “My whole game is going to change. I'm going to be a freak."

When he first puts on the orange and brown uniform, Geathers will be carrying on a family tradition. His father, Robert Sr. was taken in the third round of the 1981 Draft by the Bills, while his brother Robert Jr. is currently a starting defensive lineman for the Bengals.

His uncle Jumpy Geathers played in the NFL for 13 seasons.

“It’s a great opportunity to join my brother,” said Geathers. “He plays for the Bengals, so I’ll get to play against him. I know a little bit, but I’m still a rookie. I’m still going to learn a little bit more about the league from first-hand experience.”